Novels About Scheming and Political Intrigue 算计，权谋之类的书。

1. 251 我 I Wove Brocade Using Ancient Techniques and Took the Internet by Storm 我靠古法织锦，爆红全网 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今16k WordsCompleted I Went Viral Online with Ancient Brocade-Weaving Techniques 3Reads—Score—Shelves
2. 252 官 Notes From the Political Arena: Book Two 官场笔记第二部 The God of Heaven Fell in Love with You天神爱上你Urban228k WordsCompleted The story of an ordinary man's struggles, devoted wholeheartedly to serving the people. 1. This is a realistic political novel with tightly reasoned storytelling, written in a realist style. 2. It begins with an ordinary employee in the Provincial Personnel Department and follows his steady progress, one step at a time. 3. It features political infighting, economic development, romance, and power plays in the business world. 4. It offers a distinctive take on economic development, personnel sele 180Reads—Score—Shelves
3. 253 山 The Classic of Mountains and Seas: Kunlun Ruins 山海经·昆仑墟 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今26k WordsCompleted Classic of Mountains and Seas: Kunlun Ruins 7Reads—Score—Shelves
4. 254 绑 Bound to a System, I Become the Invincible Adviser to My County Magistrate Father 绑定系统，做县令爹的无敌女师爷 Chouchou畴畴Ancient Romance763k WordsCompleted [A novice female player who pays to transmigrate + an honest, bookish father + a talkative male lead] The heroine is one of the least capable players to transmigrate. She lands in a fictional dynasty with strict rules of etiquette, a typical feudal society that devours its people. The System forcibly comes online and tells her the game is difficult, but there’s no need to worry: someone is paying to give her an advantage. But the heroine has no grand ambitions. She just wants to help her father 46Reads8.7Score—Shelves

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   It's an unconventional political intrigue novel, with a very slice-of-life feel. The female lead is just an ordinary girl who, with the help of a system, learns a lot of knowledge and tries to handle problems in a low-key and prudent manner. The protagonist's family is quite laid-back, especially the female lead's father, who just wanted to be a scholarly official like an educational administrator, but now he's become an imperial inspector.

5. 255 遗 A Song of Regrets 遗恨歌 Zhong Qi钟麒Historical297k WordsOngoing In the early Hongwu years of the Ming dynasty, Chen Shixun, son of Chen Youliang, the former emperor of the Chen Han regime, enters the imperial court by a twist of fate, secretly supported by former Chen Han officials and taking the place of Zhu Yuanzhang’s lost son. Together with an alliance of avengers formed by Yan Wang Zhu Di, the posthumous son of Yuan Shundi; Han Miaotong, younger sister of former Red Turban leader Han Liner; and the monk Yao Guangxiao, who entered the clergy after losing 20Reads—Score—Shelves

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   "The Song of Regret" is a high-IQ political intrigue novel! Full of twists and turns, deception and treachery. A series of climaxes, a truly captivating read!

6. 256 玄 The Mystic Star Quells a Chaotic Age 玄星镇乱世 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今Eastern Fantasy44k WordsCompleted During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, heaven and earth were in upheaval. Years of unending warfare threw the spiritual veins of the Nine Provinces into disarray and shifted the stars from their courses. A catastrophe was about to descend upon the mortal world. The Star Pivot Order governed celestial divination and the protection of spiritual veins. For generations, its members had taken it upon themselves to determine Heaven's will and safeguard the people, but the demonic Netherdar 4Reads—Score—Shelves
7. 257 太 The Divine Art of Taiyi: Secrets of the Heavenly Origin 太乙神数-天元秘箓 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今14k WordsCompleted Taiyi Divine Numerology: The Secret Register of the Heavenly Origin 33Reads—Score—Shelves
8. 258 大 The Might of the Great Tang: The Long Winds of the Celestial Strategies 大唐天威之天策长风 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今Historical328k WordsCompleted In the chaotic final years of the Sui dynasty, the realm lies in ruins, smoke rises from battlefields, and the people are plunged into misery. A gifted child is born at the Wugong Guesthouse, marked by the auspicious signs of a dragon and phoenix. He is named Shimin, with the great ambition to bring peace to the people. Young Li Shimin is no idle boy. He studies military texts and masters riding and archery. At sixteen, he deploys a feint at Yanmen and drives back hundreds of thousands of Turk 8Reads—Score—Shelves
9. 259 灯 Lantern Light Over Chang’an 灯影照长安 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今23k WordsCompleted Lamplight Over Chang'an 2Reads—Score—Shelves
10. 260 十EN Ten Days to the End 十日终焉 Pest Control Team Member杀虫队队员Mystery3.2M WordsCompleted 2024 Tomato Novel Annual Peak Rankings TOP 1 | 2024 China Online Literature Influence List | 2024 China Good Novel Award | Over 2 million copies sold (No harem, no formulaic tropes, no invincibility, no System, no mindless antics, no wish fulfillment. Read with caution if these bother you.) Just when I thought it was an ordinary day, I discovered I had been captured and taken to the End. Just when I thought I could escape by continually taking part in death games, people began awakening supernat 1.7MReads9.9Score207.7kShelves
11. 261 玄 Guan Zhong’s Mystic Arts: Uniting the Lords and Restoring the Mandate of Heaven 玄相管仲：九合诸侯，一匡气运 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今28k WordsCompleted Guan Zhong, Master of Metaphysics: Uniting the Lords, Restoring the Mandate of Heaven 5Reads—Score—Shelves
12. 262 亿 A Billion Schemes 亿万权谋 Autumn of Harvest丰收之秋Modern Romance1.3M WordsCompleted She was a girl whose life had once been destroyed by the powerful. Now she is reborn in the global capital markets. Returning as a hunter, she uses financial maneuvering, technological weapons, and psychological warfare to precisely target the masterminds behind her downfall and tear open the most secret, darkest corners of the world of capital. But as she closes in on the truth, she discovers that this game of power is far more unfathomable than she ever imagined... Genius-level intelligence + 17Reads7.8Score—Shelves

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    A highly intelligent team, strategizing, planning, and acting decisively. Welcome to read 📖

13. 263 将 Put My Enemy on the Throne? No, on the Guillotine 将仇人送上王座？不，是断头台 Once Returned曾亦有归30k WordsCompleted Put your enemy on the throne? No, put them on the chopping block. —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    This book is great, highly recommended! The female lead is so intelligent, and the supporting characters are all so vivid. [Heart emoji]

14. 264 玄 Chen Ping, Master Strategist: His Heavenly Calculations Shape the World 玄谋陈平：天机算尽定乾坤 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今22k WordsCompleted Chen Ping's Cunning: Calculating Heaven's Secrets to Shape the World 11Reads—Score—Shelves
15. 265 7 Door No. 72 72号门 Big Bean Sprout大豆芽Urban332k WordsOngoing College student Cheng Ming accidentally discovers traces of superpowered individuals during a campus basketball game. He is then targeted for assassination, but is rescued by Lin Jing, a teaching assistant who has been secretly protecting him. To escape danger, Cheng Ming is taken by Lin Jing into the “Time Accelerator,” known as Gate No. 1, where he trains to protect himself. The Time Accelerator distorts space and time, making time pass 36 times faster than in the real world. Cheng Ming trains 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    There's no political maneuvering involved; everyone has their own little schemes. This is a new book by a new author; everyone is welcome to read it. Thank you!

16. 266 夫 My Wife Is a Fairy, and Everything She Says Is Right 夫人是仙女她说的都对 Sweet Potato's薯地瓜的Ancient Romance486k WordsOngoing (The dazzling, carefree, flirtatious eldest daughter of a Duke's household ✖️ a humble, restrained, handsome young man who refuses to take the bait and has a remarkable background) He had been surrounded by bloodshed since childhood, a man who had clawed his way out of the mud. Covered in filth, how could he ever presume to dream of the bright moon hanging high in the sky? Even reaching out to touch its reflection in the water felt like sacrilege. She had always been a free-spirited breeze, soar 12Reads8.9Score—Shelves

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    This work is stunning. In an era saturated with rebirth, time travel, and cheat codes, this book, with its traditional ancient Chinese style and smooth narrative charm, tells a story about love, power struggles, and growth, making it a book worth savoring. [Cool]

17. 267 文 The Star of Literature Falls to the Mortal Realm: Wang Bo's Legend in the Mystic Tang Dynasty 文星坠凡：王勃玄唐传 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今10k WordsCompleted The Star of Literature Falls to Earth: Wang Bo's Mysterious Tang Dynasty 5Reads—Score—Shelves
18. 268 玄 The Vertical and Horizontal Strategies of the Mystic Pivot: The Biography of Su Qin 玄枢纵横之苏秦传 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今18k WordsCompleted The Story of Su Qin: Master of Strategy and Statecraft 4Reads—Score—Shelves
19. 269 玄 The Mystic Pivot: Zhang Heng’s Record of Heavenly Secrets 玄枢：张衡天机录 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今29k WordsCompleted The Mystic Pivot: Zhang Heng's Record of Celestial Secrets 6Reads—Score—Shelves
20. 270 医 The Road to Medicine Leads to Heaven: From Doctor to Political Power Player 医路通天：从医生到官场纵横 I Love Watching Livestreams我爱看直播Urban1.7M WordsCompleted This book is over a million words long, so you can read with confidence. It is guaranteed to keep you hooked and racing through the chapters without stopping! People say that being an official is all about connections. With enough connections, you can rocket your way up the ranks without even lifting a finger. But Ning Yuan, who has the best connections of all, dives headfirst into the country's poorest, most backward rural township. In everyone else's eyes, he's a fool who has connections but d 12.8kReads9.1Score1.3kShelves
21. 271 诡 The Fog of a Bizarre Case 诡案迷雾 Bystander Joe旁观路人甲Historical684k WordsOngoing A historical mystery and political intrigue novel set in the fictionalized Wu Zhou period of the Tang dynasty, around the fifteenth year of Wu Zhou. It follows the protagonist and his companions as they enter government service and become entangled in a series of criminal cases, as well as the gripping struggle over the succession to the throne at the Luoyang court. This is my second novel. I hope you enjoy it, and I’ll do my best to tell a good story! 88Reads—Score—Shelves

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    [Sparrow's Masterpiece][Added to Bookshelf][Currently Driving][Already Added to My Favorite][Thumbs Up][Smile]!!

22. 272 独 Unrivaled Splendor: The Scheming Legitimate Daughter Rules the World 独步惊华，腹黑嫡女御天下 Gentleman of Fading Warmth薄凉君子Ancient Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Unrivaled beneath the heavens, she rises with every step. A master of a thousand faces, she commands the realm through strategy. She learned to read at one, wrote poetry at three, devoured every book under heaven by ten, and at fifteen placed first in the imperial examinations, becoming a revered imperial tutor! Brilliant and politically astute, she held the fate of the realm in her hands. But after trusting a treacherous wolf, she met her end in the cold palace. Fate gives her another chance at 635Reads8.6Score103Shelves

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    They're all really good, especially the first book, "The Treacherous Minister"—highly recommended!!!

23. 273 裙 He Has Someone Else Kneeling at His Feet 裙下之臣他另有其人 Miss Lin Watches Movies观影林姑娘Ancient Romance231k WordsOngoing To uncover the truth behind her father and brother’s deaths in battle, she abandoned her life of finery and fine horses and spent five years plotting. She pointed her sword at his throat. “You were the only one I never doubted.” He smiled, running his fingers along the blade. “The road to kingship is paved with bones.” In that moment, she finally saw clearly: beyond the mist lay no truth, only the torture he had prepared for her with his own hands. The vast realm ran red as blood, but it could n 48Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Her father and brother perished, her fiancé disappeared, and only the prince risked his life to protect her. She had just fallen in love when he married another for power. She cast aside her emotions to enter a ruthless scheme, using business as a weapon to stir up trouble in the court and the martial world. Amidst the machinations of a group of villains, the truth was a brutal execution.

24. 274 重 Reborn, I Join Forces with My Archrival for Revenge 重生后我和死对头联手复仇 Shui Yinan水翊楠Ancient Romance1.8M WordsCompleted [Political intrigue + career-focused, with a lighter romantic element] Once you have tasted the sweetness of power, you can never forget it. Even after being given another life, you still long to return to the halls of power, stand atop the mountains, and reach beneath the heavens. In her previous life, Pei Jiaoran had an easy rise to success. She entered the Phoenix Pavilion and donned the purple robe, living a life of great comfort. But one wrong step, and both she and her political legacy we 10Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Consumption Guide: 1. This is not a traditional wish-fulfillment novel with political intrigue; both the male and female leads are reborn. Each has their own strengths and is based on historical figures. The female lead is a civil official, and the male lead is a military general; both excel in their respective fields. 2. There is no female-male rivalry or male-female rivalry [no vicious female supporting characters or overly affectionate second male leads]. Every character has their own partner, and every girl has her own shining qualities. There are no scenes of domestic intrigue or female-female betrayal. Only power struggles and conflicts of interest. Women can also enter officialdom through the imperial examinations and attend girls' schools. The novel strives to realistically depict the political factions and power struggles of ancient China. 3. The focus is on career development; romance is weak. The female lead is outwardly warm but inwardly cold and doesn't easily trust anyone. The male lead is composed but actually quite jealous and manipulative. The female lead is career-oriented, prioritizing work and personal interests over personal feelings, and her attitude towards the male lead changes from one-sided exploitation to affection. The male lead is also career-oriented, initially secretly in love with the female lead, but their feelings gradually develop into mutual attraction. 4. This story largely draws inspiration from the political landscape of the mid-to-late Tang Dynasty, highlighting the power of the four powerful eunuchs and the power struggles between eunuchs, the central government, and regional military governors. While some content is meticulously researched, errors and omissions are possible. There will be instances of classical Chinese references. 5. The male and female protagonists have premarital sexual relations.

25. 275 穿 The Transmigrated City Lord 穿越女城主 Tianheng Palace天珩宫Ancient Romance647k WordsOngoing [Love triangle, slow burn, taking things one step at a time! The emotional entanglements of adults: the first male lead is passionate and fixated, while the second is clever and in control. The second male lead wins her heart.] [A beauty skilled in political intrigue! She pursues an official career, rises to a high position, and remains calm and self-possessed, leaving a prince heartbroken.] She has always believed that staying independent and relying on no one is the safest way to survive. But 27Reads—Score—Shelves

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    A woman of both power and beauty, with profound wisdom and foresight, possessing a vast inner world, holding a high position yet remaining calm and rational, leaving the prince heartbroken.

26. 276 重 Reborn, I Became the Villainous Princess 重生后我成了反派公主 Wild Night Owl野生夜猫子Ancient Romance242k WordsOngoing [Scheming Villainess Princess x Powerful, Cunning Prince] A clash of equals, a battle at the summit! Ye Ling had a miserable past life, with both her parents killed by her enemies. After transmigrating to another world, she finally found a little warmth and belonging, only to have it utterly destroyed by a conspiracy! If they won't let her live in peace, then none of them will! With a tragic past, she forms alliances and raises a private army, growing into a villainess just as everyone expec —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    The female protagonist, in order to avenge her mother, lay low for ten years, shrewdly calculating and plotting step by step.

27. 277 双 A Game of Two Faces 双面奕局 A Little Cabbage w一颗小白菜wHistorical148k WordsCompleted Seven years ago, Yan Chi, commander of the northern frontier, was betrayed by a close friend, branded a traitor, and saw his family wiped out. He barely escaped with his life. Seven years later, he returns to the imperial capital under the alias “Chen Yu,” a mysterious merchant. On the surface, he is a wealthy imperial merchant offering an auspicious treasure. In truth, he intends to make one grand move on the chessboard of power and bring down the dynasty in a game of revenge. 10Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Schemes that ensnare the world, power struggles, and the redress of grievances.

28. 278 大 The Benevolent Ancestor of the Tang Dynasty 【大唐仁祖】 Tang Renzu of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors三皇五帝唐仁祖Historical973k WordsCompleted [Golden Finger] [Transmigration] [Li Ke] [Political Intrigue] [History] From the start, he transmigrates into Li Ke. Facing certain death, he uses Li Shimin as a chess piece and goes head-to-head with the Changsun clan and the Guanlong aristocratic families, deftly resolving the struggle over the crown prince's succession. From the start, he is trapped in a dead end: Changsun Wuji has already begun plotting to frame him, and the deadly purge of Zhenguan Year 17 is less than six years away. He 5.5kReads—Score494Shelves

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    Hey bro! After finishing this novel, I realized that those on the top-ranked and recommended lists are just storybooks; this is a true novel. And its quality reaches the level of historical fiction and serious drama, with the potential to become a timeless classic. If it were adapted into a TV series, this novel would be unparalleled! I guarantee it with three readings and even a handstand while peeing! This novel is high-quality, intellectually stimulating, not mindless, logically sound, and features brilliantly portrayed characters! "Emperor Renzu of Tang" is a nearly million-word novel that concluded in mid-September, with all foreshadowing resolved, all plot holes filled, and no disappointing ending. I recommend reading the comments section of the last chapter first; the author has summarized the entire novel in the comments, which will aid your reading. The author's writing style, word choice, plot structure, imperial strategies, political maneuvering, emotional nuances, military warfare, court intrigue, and governance are all top-notch. His writing is astonishing, his scope grand, his themes lofty, his thoughts profound, his knowledge solid, his cultural background deep, and his political maneuvering top-notch. If you don't like it after reading it, you can slap me!

29. 279 织 Weaving Dust in the Phoenix Palace: Lady Pan of Eastern Wu 织尘凤阙：东吴潘后 Little Lotus Among the Stars繁星小荷Female-Channel Fanfiction46k WordsCompleted Weaving Dust into the Phoenix Palace: Pan, Empress of Eastern Wu 31Reads—Score—Shelves

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    Pan Rou knelt beside her, trembling, clutching her clothes tightly, urging in a breathy voice, "A-Shu! Kneel down! His Majesty is coming!" Pan Shu's expression remained unchanged, only replying calmly, "What's the panic?" The more panicked the people are, the more composed one must be. She had been planning for three years, waiting for this day.

30. 280 墓 Reborn in the Graveyard, I Go on a Rampage with the “Am I Dead?” System 墓地重生，我靠死了吗系统杀疯了 Wan Hua琬华Mystery890k WordsOngoing [Reborn in a graveyard + Death System + mystery and crime-solving + powerful heroine seeking revenge] [Nonstop thrills + a badass heroine + lots of twists + crushing scumbags every step of the way] ⊗ Orphan Qin Mo is kidnapped and thrown into a mass grave. After crawling out of a coffin, she unexpectedly binds herself to the [Are You Dead Yet] System. ⊗ Fail six missions in a row, and the System will erase you! ⊗ Watch Qin Mo plan each move carefully, turn the tables against all odds, and make h 1.2kReads9.2Score105Shelves

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    Reborn from a coffin in a mass grave, bound to the "Are You Dead?" System—failure to complete a mission results in instant annihilation! The female protagonist outwits human traffickers and tears apart the conspiracies of a wealthy family. A suspenseful revenge story with no dull moments! [Kissing emoji][laughing emoji]

31. 281 落 Fallen Leaves Adrift 落叶浮沉 Leng LianL冷怜LModern Romance300k WordsCompleted Strong Female Lead + Villain Protagonist + Female Criminal + No Golden Finger + No Stupid Characters + Large Ensemble Cast I had the worst possible start, born in a village that “eats people.” Where I come from, good people don't live long. Only the wicked survive. The day I fled to the city, I had no education, no connections, and no way back. But I had brains. I climbed on whoever could be useful, and took out whoever stood in my way. Everyone was a stepping stone. Some say I climbed over a mo 119Reads—Score—Shelves
32. 282 大 The Great Wei Inkblade 大魏墨锋 Tan Qianli谭千里Eastern Fantasy327k WordsCompleted Lin Chen inherited the legacy of the Broken Stele of Mingyue Mountain and opened the door to a whole new world: It turned out calligraphy could be used in martial arts. It turned out every copybook he had ever practiced was a peerless martial art. The bold, powerful Yan style was a fierce, unstoppable palm technique; The strength of the Liu style’s strokes was the force of an iron-fisted punch; The graceful beauty of the Zhao style was a sword intent that soared beyond the mundane. The Great Wei 8Reads7.5Score—Shelves

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    A history of political intrigue, ruthless and decisive, with high intelligence.

33. 283 我 Slaying Dragons on the Road to Power 我在仕途斩群龙 Muha of the Celestial Masters' Palace天师府的穆哈Urban2.6M WordsCompleted 3.6kReads8.2Score331Shelves

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    How can a man survive in society without being shrewd? You can't get by without shrewdness. Not only do you have to outsmart men, but you also have to outsmart women. Not only domestically, but internationally. And so, you can manipulate humanity at will.

34. 284 大 The Great Wei Dust-Shocking Stratagem 大魏惊尘策 Tan Qianli谭千里Eastern Fantasy444k WordsCompleted “The world pursues the white, but I alone hold fast to the black.” Shen Jingchen raised his eyes, his gaze clear and cool as a winter spring, and slowly introduced himself by name and courtesy name: “I am Shen Jingchen, courtesy name Zhibai.” A He looked up at him, only half understanding, yet feeling that the young master’s bearing at that moment was more upright and noble than the pines and bamboo on the mountain. He continued in a calm voice, his words light but weighty: “The Dao De Jing says 5Reads7.5Score—Shelves
35. 285 裂 Split: Brotherhood and Feuds in the Advertising World 裂变：广告江湖里的兄弟恩仇录 Li Tiejun李铁君204k WordsCompleted [Workplace + Brotherhood + Corruption + Personal Growth] Yesterday’s brothers, today’s wolves! A bloody business saga that lays bare the fracturing of human nature! Yang Jun and Da Feng, Li Fei, and Liu Jinsong grew up together and were as close as brothers. When Yang Jun first joined Northern Advertising, his impressive results and sharp ambition made him a target of repeated harassment from Wu Dazhi, a manager parachuted in from outside. Forced to resign, he left behind Lin Xue, the designer h 18Reads9.2Score—Shelves

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    These are some good books!

36. 286 隆 The Longqing Restoration 隆庆中兴 Resting Cloud休息的云Historical5.4M WordsCompleted I transmigrate as Zhu Zaihou, but I won’t be a little sycophant. For the sake of tribute and trade, I dare to wage righteous war. I open the passes and command the four seas, my proclamations reaching the eight directions. The people receive sweet rain, and the dynasty flourishes forever. Alas! I would rather be a man of the Longqing era than aspire to rule like Yao and Shun. 8.8kReads8.5Score756Shelves

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    No system, but not mindless; slow-paced; not a wish-fulfillment story; respects historical facts.

37. 287 女 The Empress's Extremely Corrupt Chief Grand Secretary 女帝的巨贪首辅 Beckda of the Cloth Shop布庄的贝克达Historical1.2M WordsCompleted Jiang Chen transmigrates to a parallel Great Zhou, founded in another world by Emperor Mu, and becomes a vice minister in the Ministry of Personnel. But just as his predecessor's corruption and bribery are exposed, Jiang Chen discovers that the emperor is a woman. Facing certain death, he has no choice but to cover his past mistakes with great deeds. Putting down the rebellion of the hundred southwestern tribes is Jiang Chen's only chance to establish himself in the court of this otherworldly dy 137Reads6.8Score—Shelves

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    A struggle for power, scheming, and force

38. 288 御 The Imperial Court’s Favorite Rogue 御用无赖 Wandering Lemon流浪的柠檬Historical123k WordsOngoing (Handcrafted by an old-timer of an author.) (Not a saintly, righteous protagonist) (Light on political intrigue) A deadly plague has broken out in the imperial palace. Palace servants die suddenly every day, and everyone in the palace is on edge. Li Wenzhe, who transmigrated into this world, has spent the past three years scraping by under the guise of a refugee, living off scams and petty cons. Now, the plague corpses being transported out of the palace offer him a chance to turn his fortunes a 3Reads—Score—Shelves

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    I'd like to recommend myself; I basically meet the requirements of the title. [Flying kiss]

39. 289 何 Who Will Walk Beside Me Through the Night? 何人伴我夜间行 Raindrops Falling on the Eaves水滴落在屋檐上Ancient Romance880k WordsOngoing [Courtly schemes + wits and courage + fictional late Qing setting] Would you call her a ruthless, calculating schemer, or a refined young lady, educated and well-mannered? The unforgettable steward Jiao swears brotherhood with twelve heroes and establishes a stronghold. Hardship breeds hardship, but a chance encounter with spring can transform a fish into a dragon. Why did “Ji Liuniang” cast aside the “Liu” in her name, and what carried her to success? A shrewd and far-sighted minister of the co 7Reads7.2Score—Shelves

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    The female lead, seemingly gentle, is actually cunning and calculating, always protecting her family.

40. 290 疯 The Mad Eldest Princess Reborn, Making a Stunning Comeback at Court 疯批长公主，重生后飒爆朝堂 A Candy in Life生活里的一颗糖Ancient Romance593k WordsCompleted Historical rebirth##Unhinged Eldest Princess#Cold, Powerful Minister Pursues His Wife#Court Intrigue: In her previous life, Eldest Princess Jiang Jingshu was madly in love and forced Xiao Tingyan to marry her. He avoided her at every turn and despised her from the bottom of his heart for her erratic ways, arrogance, domineering nature, and brutal methods. He thought she was a madwoman. The court was rife with undercurrents. Noble Consort Rou and the Second Prince’s faction seized control of the 508Reads—Score107Shelves

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    Tags: [The Mad Princess: Reborn for Revenge - A Scheming Princess Ruins the Court and Harem] In her past life, the eldest princess died tragically on the path of the second prince's struggle for the throne. Reborn, she severs ties with her lovers and plots every step of the way. She makes amends to her four male lovers and family from her past life, gains the support of the court, helps the crown prince ascend the throne smoothly, fulfills the wishes of her husband, and uses his military power to purge the rebels. She navigates the complexities of the harem and the court. She single-handedly stirs up the political landscape. A cold and aloof minister is impressed by her foresight and strategic vision, abandoning his power to wait outside the princess's residence every day, wanting only to start anew with her. Both ancient and modern romance versions are available! #HighIQPowerIntrigueFemaleLeader #PalaceIntrigue

41. 291 既 The Farewell of Jibai 既白辞 Qiao Yiyue乔一月Ancient Romance56k WordsCompleted Jibai Ci —Reads—Score—Shelves

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    He schemed and plotted, even treating himself as a pawn, all so that he could live.

42. 292 末 Love in the Apocalypse 末世儿女情 Mu Yun Jiu Xiao暮云九霄Ancient Romance462k WordsCompleted [Traditional Wuxia + Traditional History and Culture + Political Intrigue + Love of Country and Family + Talented Scholars and Beautiful Women + Mutual Redemption + Quiet Endurance and Comeback + Overwhelming Martial Prowess] This book has only just received its first rating, so it's normal for the score to be low. She is the reincarnation of the Lord of a Hundred Flowers, a phoenix destined for greatness, yet she has fallen to the station of a maid. Unaware that she possesses the Sacred Hundred 6Reads8.8Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    "And you're one to talk! You yourself hid it from me and went off to do something so dangerous? Look at all these injuries you've sustained, they look painful." Xu Lian's lips curled slightly as he grasped her wrist, his tone calm yet resolute: "You should trust me. If I wasn't confident of escaping unscathed, why would I have taken action? The battle against the Twelve Sages of Confucianism wasn't a life-or-death struggle—" He paused slightly, his eyes revealing a clear, insightful understanding, "It was merely a test. They wouldn't go all out, and I was naturally confident in my ability to fight." Mingruo's eyes flickered, giving him a look that was both reproachful and amused: "When it comes to scheming and manipulating people's hearts, I'm afraid no one in the world can surpass Young Master Lian. In your presence, do my little schemes seem too shallow, like child's play?" Xu Lian was taken aback by her words, then chuckled, his gaze softening: "What are you talking about! My wife, you are the most intelligent and insightful woman in the world. I, Xu Lian, am truly convinced and willingly admit defeat."

43. 293 前 I Was a Psycho in My Past Life. Reborn, I Take the Financial World by Storm 前世我是疯批，重生后飒爆财阀圈 A Candy in Life生活里的一颗糖Modern Romance208k WordsCompleted Mad beauty heroine / Reborn revenge power fantasy / Possessive CEO pursues his wife In her previous life, she was the top-tier star of the wealthy elite, a crazy heiress who was arrogant and unrestrained. Using her money to abduct handsome men and force Fu Heting to marry her, she was so domineering that no one dared cross her. In the end, her own family betrayed her, leaving her destitute and dead with bitter resentment. Reborn, she put her madness aside and focused on her career and revenge. A 135Reads—Score—Shelves
44. 294 德 The Texas Underworld 德州江湖 The Once-Great Sage Equal to Heaven曾经的齐天大圣Urban325k WordsOngoing A tale of hooligans in Dezhou, Shandong, China? No. A tale of gangsters in Texas, USA? No. Texas hold 'em? Getting warmer. There are no miraculous gambling skills, no tense showdowns at the poker table, and no underdog comeback story. All there is is a poker table and the assortment of people around it: cops, businessmen, spies, brothers, high-ranking officials, lovers, and lowlifes. The worlds of money, power, loyalty, and love are all deadly. They aren't gambling on cards. They're gambling on 343Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These are all small schemes and tricks that ordinary people can think of; the question is whether you can use them in the right way.

45. 295 宁 Ning Yan: When Women Rule the Roost 宁兖，牝鸡司晨 Books Bring True Wealth有书真富贵Historical168k WordsOngoing [Ensemble political intrigue + entrusted heir + factional strife + expansion of the realm + redressing an old injustice] [Wronged powerful minister male lead x emperor female lead disguised as a man] Also known as "After I Blundered into the Imperial Family, I Discovered I Was the Imperial Family" On a winter night in the seventh year of Chengxu, Emperor Zhao Ning Fu suddenly went mad. Wearing the robes of his favorite consort, Yan, he climbed the bell tower and rang the funeral bell before fall 189Reads—Score104Shelves

    Reader note

    A ensemble drama of power struggles, including the entrustment of a young heir, factional infighting, territorial expansion, the redress of old grievances, and counter-espionage. No time travel, no idiotic supporting characters. Also known as "After Accidentally Entering the Imperial Family, I Discovered I Am the Imperial Family."

46. 296 班 Ban Chao: Star Lord of the Western Frontier 班超：镇西星主 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今21k WordsCompleted Ban Chao: Star Lord Who Pacified the West —Reads—Score—Shelves
47. 297 重 Reborn in Officialdom: Governing the County, Ruling the World 重生官场之县治天下 Old General of Guanzhong关西老将Urban1.3M WordsCompleted This book connects seamlessly with Rebirth on the Official and Business Paths. The county is the foundation of a peaceful nation. Being a county magistrate is hard, and being one in a poor county is even harder. Li Yuanfang is reborn in 1990 and steps onto the official and business paths, achieving both wealth and power. In governing the county, he dares to face challenges head-on and strikes decisively. With exceptional courage and strategy, he defeats his opponents time and again, winning one 20Reads8.1Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    My work is worth looking forward to; many of the story materials come from real life.

48. 298 九 The Power of the Chancellor: The Great Qin Dragon Cauldron 九天相权·大秦龙鼎 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今20k WordsCompleted The Nine Heavens' Chancellor's Power: The Dragon Ding of Great Qin —Reads—Score—Shelves
49. 299 九 The Nine Heavens’ Tally of Command: The Biography of Sun Wu 九天兵符：孙武传 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今19k WordsCompleted The Nine Heavens' Military Talisman: The Legend of Sun Wu —Reads—Score—Shelves
50. 300 爱 Love and the Crown: The Hunting Duke and the Lost Princess 爱与王冠：狩猎的公爵与迷失王女 Whispers in the Wind风声隐语Ancient Romance133k WordsOngoing No saintly heroine + the heroine is the story’s biggest villainous BOSS + a story of villains falling in love with villains + no magic or System + alternate-history Western European court ➕Using a “dark fairy tale” style to deconstruct traditional royal romance myths and reveal the anatomy of power. Princess Sera of Lumiere escapes from a convent, murders nobles, fakes her own suicide, and manipulates public opinion, embodying a “holy madwoman.” She turns religious symbols into weapons, committi 10Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [Understood]* "This book is incredibly exciting, but the plot is extremely complex and mind-bending! Multiple storylines unfold simultaneously (court intrigue, financial conspiracies, supernatural events), and the relationships between characters are like a spider web, with tons of foreshadowing and details to watch out for. If you enjoy the high-IQ political intrigue of 'A Song of Ice and Fire' or the dark epic feel of 'The Thorn Birds,' and can handle a suffocating atmosphere and psychological thrills, you'll absolutely love it! It requires patience, but the process of unraveling the puzzle is incredibly satisfying." [Caution]* "Warning: A dark, adult-oriented masterpiece of court intrigue! Political calculations, economic games, supernatural curses, and twisted emotions are all on full display. No character is simple; everyone is engaged in a battle of wits. Reading requires intense concentration; the information is explosive, and there are countless foreshadowing elements. Suitable for readers who enjoy analytical thinking, complex narratives, and a dark style. Those with weak psychological resilience should proceed with caution." *[Shocked]* Summary:** This book is best recommended for readers with **a cognitive ability of average or above (Wechsler approximately 105+), mature mind (16+), and a strong interest and patience in complex and dark themes such as court intrigue, economic power struggles, psychological thrillers, and the supernatural.** Intelligence itself is not the barrier; **interest, focus, logical thinking, and tolerance for dark and complex narratives** are the key factors.

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